The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: True class runs deep

Die neue Mercedes-Maybach S-Klasse, 2026.

Exterieur in MANUFAKTUR opalithweiß bright/verdesilber metallic

Interieur in Maybach Exklusiv Nappaleder Beech Brown

//
The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, 2026.

Exterior in MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright/verde silver metallic

Interior in Maybach Exclusive Nappa Leather Beech Brown
Die neue Mercedes-Maybach S-Klasse, 2026. Exterieur in MANUFAKTUR opalithweiß bright/verdesilber metallic Interieur in Maybach Exklusiv Nappaleder Beech Brown // The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, 2026. Exterior in MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright/verde silver metallic Interior in Maybach Exclusive Nappa Leather Beech Brown
Die neue Mercedes-Maybach S-Klasse, 2026.

Exterieur in MANUFAKTUR opalithweiß bright/verdesilber metallic

Interieur in Maybach Exklusiv Nappaleder Beech Brown

//
The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, 2026.

Exterior in MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright/verde silver metallic

Interior in Maybach Exclusive Nappa Leather Beech Brown
Die neue Mercedes-Maybach S-Klasse, 2026. Exterieur in MANUFAKTUR opalithweiß bright/verdesilber metallic Interieur in Maybach Exklusiv Nappaleder Beech Brown // The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, 2026. Exterior in MANUFAKTUR opalite white bright/verde silver metallic Interior in Maybach Exclusive Nappa Leather Beech Brown

The new Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class arrives with profound intent: to redefine what a luxury saloon can be. The transformation is both technical and emotional – a vehicle conceived to be experienced as an oasis of tranquillity, craftsmanship and technological grace. The Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), debuting in a Maybach for the first time, creates an unbroken digital journey that is intuitive, elegant and intelligent. The new S‑Class can be ordered in first markets in Europe from 25 March 2026, with other markets following.

In 2026, Mercedes‑Benz marks 140 years since the invention of the automobile. Through each era, Mercedes‑Benz has built icons. Every Mercedes‑Benz stands for pioneering spirit, excellence and a sense of belonging: “Welcome home.” And for 105 years, Maybach has elevated them into expressions of the future of luxury. Mercedes‑Maybach combines the cutting-edge technology and perfection of Mercedes‑Benz with the exclusivity and elegance of Maybach.

“For 105 years, the Maybach name has stood as the benchmark for automotive excellence. With the launch of the new Mercedes‑Maybach S-Class, this legacy continues with new levels of exclusivity and comfort. With the AI-powered MB.OS, we are further elevating the digital customer experience. The Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class is the next highlight of the biggest product launch programme in our history. Mercedes‑Maybach is an important strategic pillar in expanding our top-end segment.” – Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG

Here are 10 highlights of the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class…

A more commanding expression of status

The new, more sculptural interpretation of the Maybach grille – now 20 percent larger and available with a luminous surround – sets the tone. In selected markets, the Maybach emblem on the C‑pillar and, optionally, even the upright Mercedes‑Benz star atop the bonnet, are gracefully illuminated.1 Each element has been designed to project quiet authority, never ostentation.

A new devotion to detail, visible at first glance

For the first time, the Maybach wordmark is subtly illuminated within the grille frame. The double‑star headlamps are accentuated by touches of rose gold. All forged wheels in silver finish now feature what feels like a small mechanical miracle: a perfectly aligned Mercedes‑Benz star. Mounted on a refined ball‑bearing mechanism, it remains upright – always – as if suspended in stillness even while the world moves around it.

A cockpit that feels like entering an exquisite lounge

The redesigned interior blends high craftsmanship with the graceful modernity of the MBUX Superscreen, bathed in a Maybach specific ambient style. New open‑pore wood, including beautifully grained oak, is paired with soft light, deep materials and smooth digital surfaces. The result is an enveloping calm – the signature Maybach cocooning effect, reinterpreted.

An expression of modern luxury philosophy

For the first time, a leather-free upholstery graces the interior including the new high‑grade “Mirville” textile with its natural‑fibre look, complemented by deep white piping and an exclusive open-quilted diamond-stitched graphic.

MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure – personalisation without boundaries

With virtually limitless combinations of leather, stitching, embroidery and bespoke finishes, MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure transforms the Mercedes-Maybach S‑Class into an individual creation.

A sanctuary of calm

The new Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class offers an even more refined driving experience, harmoniously combining serenity, efficiency and effortless power. Automatic comfort doors, Executive rear seats, a dedicated refrigerated compartment and silver‑plated Robbe & Berking champagne flutes reinforce the feeling of curated indulgence.

A symphony of power and serenity

New electrified eight‑ and six‑cylinder engines offer commanding yet effortless performance, supported by mild‑hybrid technology for smooth response and energy recuperation. In selected markets, the celebrated V12 remains available – the embodiment of cultivated power.

A new dimension of intelligence, centred around MB.OS

The latest MBUX generation makes its Maybach debut with the warmth of Maybach specific graphics, an enhanced Zero Layer and the MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. Regular over‑the‑air updates ensure the driving experience evolves with time.

Predictive protection, intuitive support

A sophisticated sensor suite combined with a powerful new computing architecture enables advanced driving and parking assistance. MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO supports smooth point‑to‑point journeys, even through dense urban environments.

Even more expressive design options

Nautic blue metallic joins the Night Series exterior palette for an elegant, contemporary statement. New wheel designs offer additional ways to express individual taste.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on Microsoft Start.

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

Leave a Comment

More in News

Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain Special Edition

2027 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain Edition Costs Just $80 More Than a Willys

Jeep has opened orders for a new special edition of ...
Wheel clamp

Nearly 29,000 Drivers Illegally Removed DVLA Wheel Clamps Last Year

Nearly 29,000 drivers illegally removed DVLA wheel clamps from their ...

How Missing a Red X Sign Can Cost Drivers Court Fines and Points

Drivers across England and Wales have been hit with criminal ...
2027 Nissan Murano Dark Armor

2027 Nissan Murano Adds Dark Armor Grade, Priced From $43,990

Nissan has added a new trim to the 2027 Murano ...
Built for Generations: Toyota Corolla Celebrates 60 Years with 2027 Special Edition

2027 Toyota Corolla Adds 60th Anniversary Edition, Prices Start at $23,325

Toyota is marking six decades of the Corolla with a ...

Trending on Motoring Chronicle

Next-Generation Acura RDX Hybrid

Next-Generation Acura RDX Will Go Hybrid

Acura today showed a teaser of the next-generation RDX, and ...
P90630733_highRes_new-rolls-royce-exte

New Rolls-Royce extension building reaches landmark moment

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has completed a significant phase in the ...
01 2509 bugatti eb110 certification

Taking pride in perfection: The first officially certified and uniquely authentic Bugatti EB110 America [Photo Gallery]

Since the marque’s inception in 1909, Bugatti vehicles have represented ...
FAT Ice Race Big Sky – 5

Bentley brings snow drifts to Montana with FAT International

Bentley’s now sold-out Supersports has made its US dynamic debut, ...
Freedom or safety for young drivers? UK can and must deliver both, says GEM 11/05/2026 SHARE: Images are for editorial use only. Experts gathering at Young Driver Focus in London on 13 May to press for action, not further delay Young drivers remain disproportionately at risk, with preventable deaths continuing on UK roads International evidence shows graduated driver licensing can cut crashes by up to 40% GEM Motoring Assist will return to the RAC Club, London, on 13 May as headline sponsor of Young Driver Focus 2026, renewing calls for decisive action to improve protection for newly-qualified drivers. Despite years of evidence and advocacy, the UK has yet to introduce a comprehensive system of graduated driver licensing (GDL) - a move GEM and other road safety groups say is costing young lives. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We are long past the point of asking whether we should act. The evidence is overwhelming, and the consequences of delay are measured in lives lost and families devastated.” GDL is a phased approach that allows new drivers to gain experience under lower-risk conditions before progressing to full driving privileges. Common measures include limits on late-night driving and restrictions on carrying same-age passengers during the months after passing the test. International research consistently shows crash reductions of between 20% and 40% where GDL systems are in place. In some regions of Canada, reductions in young driver deaths have exceeded 80%. In the UK, drivers aged 17 to 24 account for around 20% of road deaths, despite making up just 7% of licence holders. Inexperience, distraction and overconfidence remain key risk factors - precisely the issues GDL is designed to address. GEM stresses that a well-designed system supports rather than penalises young people, and a recent TRL review1 found no significant negative impact on access to education, employment or social activity. GEM supports a system that extends structured learning, reduces known high-risk conditions and allows young drivers to build skills progressively and safely. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We do many things well in the UK, particularly in driver training, but the current system offers too little structured support once someone passes the test. That’s where the real risk begins. “The choice is simple: continue with a system we know is failing too many young people, or take proven steps that will save lives. Doing nothing is not a neutral position - it is a decision with consequences… and Young Driver Focus offers a chance to translate the latest insight into real-world action.”

How Driving Without a Valid MOT Could Soon Cost You Penalty Points Under New Road Safety Plans

The government's first road safety strategy in over a decade ...